Judy : "In obedience novice A, you perform "Heel on Leash" which includes forward, halt, right turn, left turn, about turn, slow, normal, fast, and figure eight. Then you do a 'Stand for Exam", followed by "Heel Free". This includes all the things from Heel on Leash except for the figure eight. Recall comes next, followed by a Long sit (1 minute) and a Long Down (3 minute). Maximum points are 200 and minimum qualifying score is 170. They judge you on how well the dog heels (do they forge ahead or lag), straight sits, how tight your leash is, etc. You are only allowed a single command at the beginning of each activity. You have to qualify before 3 different judges to earn a Companion Dog (CD) obedience title. After Novice, you move up to the Open category where the dog works on the CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) title where everything is done off leash. It includes Heel Free and Figure Eight, Drop on Recall, Retrieve(dumbbell) on Flat, Retrieve over High Jump, Broad Jump, Long Sit and Long Down. It advances to Utility Dog (UD) where they have to perform scent discrimination, directed retrieve, directed jumping. Much of this is done by hand signal only.

April 1, 2010 was the effective date for mixed breeds to participate in AKC sanctioned shows, so this was one of the first ones held.The official name of the dog show was the OKC All-Breed Obedience and Rally Trials.

When I brought Zoe home I found a Flower Mound, TX training facility, CMC Dog Training owned by Susan Warren. Susan offers Board and Train as well as private lessons. I took two sessions of private lessons and then continued with her Saturday group training (which continues to be free to all who do private or Board and Train with her.) Susan has a great indoor facility as well as a boarding kennel with fenced fields for running and playing. Our dogs are exposed to Agility as well. She has been a breeder and has shown Bassets in conformation and obedience as well as other breeds. Susan encourages as many of her students to consider obedience competition who show an interest and is our greatest cheerleader. Her web site is www.cmcdogs.com.

Zoe was a really quick learner and I enjoy the camaraderie of the Saturday group lessons. Since there are dogs coming and going from the group, it really helps proof our dogs for the show ring. We have different levels in the class, from newly trained where the owners are trying to learn how to work with their dogs to those of us who were a little more serious about an obedient dog. Now if I can just get Zoe to stop chasing cats, she'd be the perfect dog. If there's a cat in the area, she'll bolt every time! She's also a great swimmer and will even dive under the water. That doesn't do much for her fur, so during the summer we keep her pretty short.

Can you tell how thrilled I am to have her!

GoldenDoodles are much to smart to stay out of the obedience ring. Many of the people at the show were excited to have the mixed breeds and really loved Zoe."